Book Review: Humans 2.0 by Fazale R. Rana and Kenneth R. Samples

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Introduction 

The title says it all: throughout Humans 2.0: Scientific, Philosophical, and Theological Perspectives on Transhumanism Fazale Rana and Kenneth Samples provide insight into the emerging topic of “transhumanism.” While there are many facets to transhumanism, it broadly seeks to harness biomedical technologies in order to enhance the capabilities of people beyond what could normally be achieved naturally. In a sense, the goal is to create an evolutionary state of being that is distinctly post-human.

The book is structured in three parts. Part 1 provides an overview of the science and technologies behind human enhancement. Part 2 outlines assesses the ethical concerns that arise when talking about human enhancements. And Part 3 assesses transhumanism from the perspective of Christianity.

The Science of Transhumanism

Humans 2.0 begins with discussions about the scientific developments that are key to the transhumanist vision. Broadly speaking, these chapters cover gene editing, brain-computer interfacing, and anti-aging technology. A word of warning, however, must be provided for this section. It is highly technical. Those who haven’t studied much science, especially biology and neuroscience, will likely be challenged. Thankfully, Rana and Samples include an Appendix that functions as a primer on molecular biology. It is recommended to read this Appendix first.

Following an historical examination of gene editing, the main focus of the first chapter is on CRISPR-Cas9. CRISPR-Cas9 is an enzyme that can be directed to cut specific gene sequences, allowing scientists to edit the genomes of cells. There are myriad applications for using CRISPR-Cas9 to treat illnesses that affect human beings, and ultimately the goal for transhumanists is to use the technology to edit human embryos. But the science is young and still faces challenges. One such challenge is that the Cas9 enzyme, once it begins editing the genome, doesn’t know when to stop, and could ultimately cause damage to the cell.

The focus of Chapter 2 is on technologies that allow the brain to interface directly with machines. With brain-computer interfacing (BCI), the brain directly connects to a computer system. In contrast, neuroprosthetics are designed specifically to compensate for lost bodily functioning. In the rest of the chapter, Rana and Samples dive head first into a detailed technical overview of these technologies and the various applications for human enhancements.

Chapter 3, then, turns to the proverbial fountain of youth: anti-aging technologies. The tricky part here is that no single theory of aging prevails, and without a prevailing theory, there are many pathways to consider when developing anti-aging technologies. Here, Rana and Samples provide both an overview of the various theories, as well as an overview of the different approaches to arresting the aging process currently being pursued.

The Ethics of Transhumanism

With the science on the table, Rana and Samples then transition to the discussion of ethics. Chapter 4 outlines the general ethical challenges facing human enhancement technologies. Included in this list are inequitable access to technologies, the potential loss of human value, the potential loss of human identity, and others. In response, Rana and Samples discuss some of the considerations that must be involved in any decision-making process surrounding human enhancement technologies, which includes assessing both the risks of the new technologies and the risks of not implementing the new technologies.

In Chapter 5, Rana and Samples take aim at the project of secular bioethics. They discuss the ethical systems of egoism, libertarianism, utilitarianism, relativism, and pragmatism, exposing the flaws in each system one by one. For example, all secular ethical systems fail to adequately provide an objective basis for preserving the rights and dignity of human beings.

Rana and Samples then transition to a discussion of the Image of God. The Christian viewpoint is that we, as human beings, are characteristically set apart from the rest of creation because we are made in the Image of God. Rana and Samples explore these characteristics in detail, and in doing so, provide a case for the exceptional nature of human beings. For example, one reason humans are set apart is because we are moral creatures. Another has to do with our advance mental capacities.

This idea of the Image of God is built upon throughout Chapter 7 in order to develop the very foundation of Christian bioethics. Rana and Samples outline myriad ethical principles grounded in the idea that humans are made in the Image of God. For example, the Image of God entails a prohibition of murder, an obligation to care for creation, and a command to treat others with dignity and respect, among other mandates. These principles are then applied to the practice of gene replacement therapy.

Transhumanism and Christianity

It isn’t until chapter 8 that Rana and Samples provide an overview of the transhumanism movement. Philosophically, transhumanism is grounded in modern naturalistic secular humanist values, with an end goal of human autonomy and even a transition into a genuinely posthuman state of being. Additionally, Rana and Samples provide a brief overview of ten key figures in the history of the transhumanism movement.

In chapter 9 Rana and Samples critique the notion that advancing technologies inevitably result in real progress. They identify this notion as the myth of progress, and their critique comes from two separate angles: one philosophical and one historical. Philosophically, new technologies bring new problems, which challenges the very suggestion that progress has been made. Historically, the steps necessary to enact many of the proposed technologies require a resurrection of the practice of eugenics from the past. Ultimately, the transhumanist movement faces a paradox: if the principles are taken to their extremes, they will bring about the elimination of the human race rather than the improvement of the human race.

The question of how transhumanism relates to the gospel message is taken up in chapter 10. Here Rana and Samples draw a contrast between the goal of transhumanism and the goal of the Christian faith. While the former relies on technological advancements to usher in a fulfilled future, the latter looks to the return of Christ to bring about God’s kingdom. The former is a human attempt to orchestrate salvation, while the latter relies on God and His timing.

Chapter 11 wraps up the main content of the book, and in it, Rana and Samples discuss how the resurrection of Christ ultimately provides the transformation that we ought to be searching for. This is a transformation that is both physical and spiritual. The irony of the transhumanist movement, is that it completely misses the point. All it seeks to accomplish has already been granted to humankind in the message of the gospel. As a result, Rana and Samples conclude that Christianity ultimately is the truest form of transhumanism.

Bonus Content

As a bonus, Rana and Samples include two “Special Focus” chapters, as well as the aforementioned Appendix. The Appendix lays the technical groundwork necessary to understand the first few chapters. The first Special Focus chapter discusses how artificial intelligence plays into a posthuman world. Some of the key challenges raised here are the ethical implications of artificial intelligence, the potential devaluation of human beings, and the mind-body problem. The second Special Focus chapter discusses how artificial womb technology plays into a posthuman world. On the one hand, artificial womb technology has the potential to help with pregnancy related issues and other medical concerns. On the other hand, artificial wombs may never be able to fully replicate both the physiological and psychological development that occurs during pregnancy, and therefore could have unintended consequences.

Final Thoughts

This is an interesting read, to say the least. Rana and Samples have done a great job hitting on the key concerns involved in the growing dialogue on transhumanism. Christians will likely find themselves increasingly needing to engage with the ideas of the transhumanist movement, and Humans 2.0 will be a tremendous help both breaking down the key features of the movement and in processing these features within a Christian worldview. While this book will be beneficial for a wide variety of people, it is especially important for those who frequently engage in discussion